Apparatus to assist a user with holding a mobile device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus that facilitates one-handed use of a mobile device has a finger brace configured to brace a user&#39;s finger on each of two opposed sides of the point where it is coupled to a flexible member. The flexible member extends through a hole in the back portion of the mobile device&#39;s case and is anchored to an interior surface of the back portion of the case. The flexible member&#39;s length is such that two fingers of the user&#39;s hand can press against the finger brace to brace the mobile device when the two fingers are between the finger brace and the case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/449,858,filed Aug. 1, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,300,346.

BACKGROUND

The field of the present invention relates to accessories for hand-heldmobile devices such as mobile phones and computer tablets. Inparticular, the field of the present invention relates to an apparatusthat assists a user with holding a mobile device that has a front-facingdisplay screen, where the user can hold the device in one hand whileleaving the thumb of that hand, as well as the user's other hand, freeto operate the mobile device.

Mobile devices, such as cellular phones or tablets, typically havefront-facing display screens, which can be a touch-screen. In addition,mobile devices typically include integral cases. In addition, somemobile device users purchase a secondary case that partially or entirelycovers the mobile device's integral case and provides additionalprotection. Cases can be made with any material that is rigid enough tohold its shape and protect the components of the mobile device, butcases often are made of a sufficiently low-density material so as tominimize the weight added to the mobile device. Typical materials usedin cases include metal, carbon fiber, and plastic.

A case, whether integral or secondary, has a rear-facing back portionthat is positioned on the opposite side of the device from the displayscreen. The exterior surface of the back portion of the case faces awayfrom the mobile device and toward the palm of the user's hand when themobile device is held with a typical grip. The exterior surface can besmooth or otherwise have a low coefficient of friction that causes thedevice to be difficult to grip. In the alternative, some cases have anexterior surface that is textured or coated with a material thatimproves the user's ability to grip the case (e.g., rubber or leather).However, even with a textured or coated case, many users still finddifficulty with gripping the mobile device, particularly when operatingthe mobile device while performing other tasks.

A wide variety of accessories are available for supporting use of ahand-held device. However, conventional accessories generally rely onrigid designs that are not easily adjustable or customizable to a user'sindividual hand. Also, such designs typically do not provide for asmooth transition from holding the device in portrait orientation toholding it in a landscape orientation, without having to detach from andreattach the accessory to the mobile device.

SUMMARY

An apparatus to assist a user with holding a mobile device comprises afinger brace and a flexible member coupled to the finger brace at anintermediate point. The finger brace is sized and shaped to brace atleast one finger on each of two opposed sides of the intermediate point.

The flexible member extends through a hole in the back portion of themobile device's case and is anchored to the interior surface of the backportion of the case.

The length of the flexible member between the hole and the finger braceis such that at least two fingers of a user's hand can press against thefinger brace to brace the mobile device when the user is holding themobile device in a fashion where at least two fingers of the same handare positioned between the finger brace and the case.

The apparatus facilitates one-handed use of the mobile device byallowing the user to hold the mobile device with one hand while leavingthe thumb of the user's same hand free to operate the mobile device.

Objects and advantages pertaining to an apparatus to assist a user withholding a mobile device may become apparent upon referring to theexample embodiments illustrated in the drawings and disclosed in thefollowing written description or appended claims.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views of an embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the interior surface of therear-facing back portion of a case and the portion of the flexiblemember extending through the hole, as used with various embodiments ofthe apparatus, which could be combined with the embodiments in FIGS.1A-1C.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional and side views of additional exampleembodiments.

FIGS. 4A-4E show an additional embodiment used with a case havingslot-type holes.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a case and a skin covering thecase, as used with the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4E.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment used with acase having a plurality of holes.

FIGS. 7A and 7C are perspective views showing an additional exampleembodiment used with a case having ridges on the exterior surface of thecase.

FIG. 7B is a side view showing the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7C.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an additional embodiment used witha case having ridges.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment used with acase that has a recess in the exterior surface.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an additional embodiment with a finger brace thatenables adjustment of the length of the flexible member.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are perspective and side views of an additionalembodiment with a finger brace that enables adjustment of the length ofthe flexible member.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views showing an additional embodimentwhere the finger brace can used as a stand.

FIG. 13 shows an additional embodiment in which the finger brace can beused as a belt clip.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an additional embodiment with aflexible member having multiple sections.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an embodiment being held by auser's hand.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views showing additional embodimentswith the finger brace having a strap partially enclosing the user'sfingers.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the embodiment of FIG. 15 with theuser holding the mobile device using an alternative grip.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the fingerbrace can used as a stand.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment in whichthe finger brace can be used as a stand.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment where a sleeve on the case enablesadjustment of the length of the flexible member.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 21.

It should be noted that the embodiments depicted are shown onlyschematically, and that not all features may be shown in full detail orin proper proportion. Certain features or structures may be exaggeratedrelative to others for clarity. It should be noted further that theembodiments shown are examples only, and should not be construed aslimiting the scope of the present disclosure or appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An example apparatus to assist with holding a mobile device is shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. The example apparatus includes finger brace 20 andflexible member 30 coupled to the finger brace at intermediate point 40.The flexible member extends through hole 50 in the rear-facing backportion 60 of the mobile device's case 100 and is anchored to theinterior surface 80 of the back portion 60 of the case 100. The exteriorsurface 70 of the rear-facing back portion 60 of case 100 is visible inFIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, but interior surface 80 is shown only in otherdrawings.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the apparatus in use. In the embodimentshown, at least two fingers of one hand of the user are placed on eitherside of flexible member 30. The user's fingers are between finger brace20 and exterior surface 70 of the rear-facing back portion 60 of case100. The user can press against finger brace 20 to brace the mobiledevice, thereby leaving the user's thumb free to operate the mobiledevice.

FIG. 18 shows the embodiment of FIG. 15 where the user has placed afinger between finger brace 20 and exterior surface 70 of therear-facing back portion 60 of case 100 on one side of finger brace 20and another finger on the opposite side of finger brace 20. In thisconfiguration, the user can brace the mobile device using finger brace20 as a cantilever.

Finger brace 20 can be made of a material (or combination of materials)that is rigid and that is resilient enough to counterbalance the forceapplied by the user's fingers with relatively little change in shape,such as plastic, carbon fiber, and metal. Alternatively, finger brace 20can be moldable from a flat or planar shape into a shape preferred bythe user. In such an embodiment, the finger brace can include a coremade of a rigid but malleable material (e.g., a soft metal likealuminum) that can be bent by the user when sufficient force is appliedbut remains rigid when used as a finger brace in conjunction withholding the mobile device.

The entire surface of finger brace 20 can be textured, or it can becoated with a material that is soft to the touch or provides padding forthe user's fingers (e.g., foam, cloth, leather, or rubber). Someembodiments can have a finger brace that is entirely coated with such asoft material. In other embodiments, only finger-bracing surface 25 istextured or padded. Texturing or padding can allow a better grip withoutas much slippage.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment where optional strap 1600 is attached tofinger brace 20 and partially encircles the user's fingers. Strap 1600can be attached to flexible member 30, as pictured in FIG. 16, formed asan extension of flexible member 30 (not shown), or wholly independentfrom flexible member 30. In an embodiment where the strap is attached toor integrated with the flexible member, the length of the flexiblemember can be adjusted by pulling it away from the finger brace.

FIG. 17 shows an alternative to FIG. 16, with strap 1700 on the side offinger brace 20 opposite its attachment to flexible member 30. Similaralternatives discussed in connection with FIG. 16 can apply equally toFIG. 17.

In the example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, finger brace 20 has aflat finger-bracing surface 25. However, in other embodiments, thefinger-bracing surface can be shaped to match the contours of the user'sfingers. For example, the finger-bracing surface can be scalloped orfluted when viewed in profile. Such contours can be pre-molded.Alternatively, the finger-bracing surface can comprise a material thatis moldable to the user's fingers so that it would provide acustomizable fit. The perimeter of the finger-bracing surface can berectangular, as shown in FIG. 1C, or can take other suitable shapes(e.g., triangular, circular, elliptical, hour-glass, or figure-8). Theshape can be formed as an ornament or specialty shape, such as to assistmarketing campaigns; such shapes can depict an object, animal, orcompany logo, for example. Alternatively, ornamental designs can beadded to the shape with markings or engraving.

FIG. 1B shows flexible member 30 coupled to finger brace 20 atintermediate point 40. Intermediate point 40 can be equidistant from endpoints of finger-bracing surface 25, as shown, or can be positioned at anon-central point on finger-bracing surface 25, but whether central ornot, it can be sized to leave enough space so that at least one fingercan fit on each of two opposed sides of intermediate point 40. Theradius of the average adult finger is between about 0.5 and about 1.5centimeters. The intermediate point can be positioned so that less thana length approximating the radius of the average adult finger isprovided on each of two opposed sides of the intermediate point,although such a configuration can cause user discomfort, particularlywhen a user holds the mobile device for an extended period of time.Also, finger brace 20 can have adjustable size (e.g., by sliding,telescoping, folding, cutting, or breaking along pre-scored lines), orin some cases the intermediate point's location changed (e.g., bysliding or allowing the user to adjust it to one of several notchedlocations), so that the fit can be customized to the user.

Flexible member 30 can be made of various flexible materials, includingbut not limited to, cloth, leather, rubber, and plastic. In someembodiments, flexible member 30 can be made of a material that has adynamic length (e.g., elastic or rubber). Such materials, whenstretched, exert a resisting force. That force provides an extragripping force, assisting the user to hold the device in the user'shand. The resistive force provided by such a material's dynamic length,combined with the flexibility of flexible member 30, allows flexiblemember 30 to be twisted and stretched to accommodate the user's handsize and preference. In addition, the more flexible member 30 isstretched, the more the resistive force attempts to return flexiblemember 30 to its unloaded length, causing the finger brace to be heldmore tightly against the user's fingers. Even if flexible member 30 isnot made of an elastic material, though, so that it has a fixed length,correct establishment of the length of flexible member 30, with respectto the user's hand, facilitates easy one-handed handling of the mobiledevice while the user is operating it, because finger brace 20 canautomatically angle itself to fit comfortably against the user'sfingers, most commonly by balancing forces on either side of attachmentpoint 40, accommodating a wide array of different user holds.

Also, in some embodiments, the elasticity of flexible member 30 can holdfinger brace 20 against the exterior surface 70 of the rear-facing backportion 60 of the case 100 when not in use or facilitate thecantilevered hold shown in FIG. 18.

Nonetheless, in many embodiments, flexible member 30 can be made ofmaterials that have a relatively static length, such as cloth.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the flexibility of flexiblemember 30 enables the user to switch easily from holding the mobiledevice in a portrait orientation to holding it in a landscapeorientation, merely by twisting the mobile device, causing a twist inflexible member 30, while finger brace 20 remains in place. That sameflexibility also allows the user to move his or her fingers with respectto hole 50, without having to detach and reattach, or otherwiserelocate, the apparatus with respect to the rear-facing back portion 60of case 100, thereby providing a more universal fit without the need forcustomization. In addition, flexible member 30 increases user comfort bypresenting a flexible surface between the user's fingers.

In some embodiments, flexible member 30 can be a strap (e.g.,rectangular in shape) as depicted in FIG. 2A. Other embodiments can usealternative shapes for flexible member 30, e.g., a string, cord, orlace, or a plurality of straps, strings, cords, or laces. Flexiblemember 30 can be thin enough to fit between two fingers of a user's handcomfortably. Any shape suitable for accomplishing that goal can be used.

Flexible member 30 is long enough to allow the user's fingers to fitcomfortably between the finger brace and the exterior surface of therear-facing back portion of the case, but not so long as to prevent theuser from effectively bracing his or her fingers against the fingerbrace.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment with flexible member 30 having two discreteportions (e.g., cords) separated by approximately the width of a finger.The embodiment can be used as described above, where flexible member 30includes first portion 1401 and second portion 1402, both placed betweenthe same two of the user's fingers. Alternatively, the user's hand canbe rotated 90 degrees with respect to flexible member 30 of FIG. 14(e.g., switching from portrait orientation to landscape orientation) andone finger of the user's hand can be placed in the gap between firstportion 1401 and second portion 1402 of flexible member 30, and the usercan brace the mobile device with that finger.

In certain embodiments, such as the embodiments in FIGS. 10A-11C, thelength of flexible member 30 can be adjusted via its coupling to thefinger brace. However, other embodiments can allow the length of theflexible member to be adjusted by varying where it is anchored to theinterior surface of the rear-facing back portion of the case.

For example, FIGS. 2A and 2B show interior surface 80 of the rear-facingback portion 60 of case 100, hole 50 piercing the back portion 60, and aportion of flexible member 30 extending through hole 50. FIG. 2A depictsflexible member 30 in an unanchored state. FIG. 2B shows flexible member30 in an anchored state.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, a hook-type fastener is shown onanchoring device 210 and corresponding loops on anchoring surface 220 oninterior surface 80 of rear-facing back portion 60 of case 100. Use ofadjustable fasteners, such as hook and loop, snaps, clips, or the like,can enable an individual user to adjust the length of flexible member 30and thus customize the apparatus to fit his or her hand. In theembodiment of FIG. 2A, for example, a user can decrease the length offlexible member 30 by detaching anchor device 210 from anchoring surface220 and re-attaching anchoring device 210 at a point farther from hole50. Conversely, a user can increase the length of flexible member 30 byre-attaching anchoring device 210 at a point nearer to hole 50.

In other embodiments, flexible member 30 can be held in place betweeninterior surface 80 of the rear-facing back portion 60 of case 100 andan adjacent surface (not shown) of the mobile device, e.g., by creatinga pressure fit. In an embodiment that uses a pressure-fit anchor design,both anchoring device 210 on flexible member 30, and anchoring surface220 on the interior surface 80 of the rear-facing back portion 60 ofcase 100, can be made of or coated with a non-slip material (e.g.,rubber or silicone) to prevent the flexible member from slipping out ofthe hole. Anchoring surface 220 on the interior surface 80 of therear-facing back portion 60 of case 100 can be integral to case 100 orcan be applied to interior surface 80 of the rear-facing back portion 60of case 100, for example with adhesive.

Anchoring device 210 can be permanently attached to flexible member 30,e.g., by glue or stitching, or anchoring device 210 can berepositionable at different points along the length of flexible member30, such as by use of a buckle (not shown) or another repositionablefastener.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an embodiment in which anchoring device 210 ispermanently attached to flexible member 30. In this embodiment,anchoring device 210 includes a first plurality of teeth or projections315. A second plurality of teeth 325 is arranged on anchoring surface220. The first and second pluralities of teeth 315 and 325 interlockwhen the rear-facing back portion 60 of the case 100 is adjacent to themobile device, thereby anchoring flexible member 30 to interior surface80 of the rear-facing back portion 60 of case 100.

In certain example embodiments, the rear-facing back portion of the case(or the anchoring surface if one is used) can include one or moremagnets (not shown), and the finger brace can have corresponding magnetsaligned so as exert an attractive force on the magnet of the case, sothat together they are capable of holding the finger brace to theexterior surface of the rear-facing back portion of the case when thefinger brace is not in use. Alternatively, the case can have clips,clasps, snaps, or other fasteners that hold the finger brace in place onthe case's exterior surface. Such magnets or other fasteners can beintegral to the case or applied to a surface of the case, for examplewith adhesive.

In certain embodiments, case 100 can be included with the mobile phoneapparatus, e.g., packaged or sold with the phone. Secondary protectivecases are typically customized to fit one or a few models of mobiledevices, as opposed to all types of mobile phones. Referring to FIG. 4B,in this example embodiment, the rear-facing back portion 60 of case 100includes at least one cutout 450. Cases often require customization toaccommodate one or more particular mobile device's cameras, controlbuttons, ventilation holes, USB outlets, headphone jacks, etc.

For embodiments that work with a secondary protective case, theapparatus can include a case for one or more particular models with ahole for the flexible member in the rear-facing back portion of thecase. The holes can be formed in the cases as they are sold by themanufacturer or added after purchase.

The finger-bracing apparatus can be sold with a template, instructions,or tools to allow an end-user to make a hole for the flexible member ina separately acquired case.

In another embodiment, the case can be integral to the mobile device buthave a removable rear-facing back portion that can be interchanged withan optional rear-facing back portion that includes the apparatus or ahole for use with the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the rear-facing backportion of the case, can be textured or coated, or can have ridges,fluting, or scalloping, or can be otherwise shaped or moldable toaccommodate the user's fingers as described in connection with thefinger-bracing surface.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1B and 1C, hole 50 is located nearthe vertical axis of the mobile device when held in portrait fashion andcloser to the bottom of case 100 than to the top. The typical humanthumb has a range of motion that extends from the ring or middle fingerto about three or four finger-widths beyond the index finger. Thus, itis desirable to position hole 50 closer to the bottom of case 100because it allows many users to reach the entire touchscreen of themobile device's front-facing display screen. However, the dimensions ofdifferent user's hands differ. For example embodiments that require theuser to form the hole, the user can customize the position of hole 50 tohis or her hand size and shape.

FIGS. 4A-4E depicts an embodiment with multiple holes 400 and 401 in thecase. The user can choose one hole for holding the mobile device inportrait mode and a second hole for holding the device in landscapemode. FIG. 4A shows flexible member 30 in hole 401, for example, whileFIG. 4B shows flexible member 30 in hole 400. Where the mobile devicehas more than one user, e.g., a parent and his or her child, and eachuser prefers the flexible member to be positioned differently because ofthe different user's hand size, additional holes in the case can beadded, to accommodate the multiple users with different preferred holepositions.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4E has slot-type holes 400 and 401 thatare significantly wider than the width of flexible member 30, whichallows the user to slide flexible member 30 parallel to the lengthwisedirection of holes 400 and 401. FIGS. 4D and 4E show close-ups ofslot-type hole 400, with flexible member 30 positioned to the left sideof slot-type hole 400 in FIG. 4D and to the right side of slot-type hole400 in FIG. 4E. For example, if the user intends to hold the mobiledevice in his or her left hand, flexible member 30 used with anembodiment that has a wide hole can be positioned closer to the rightside of the rear-facing back portion 60 of the case 100 when viewing thecase from the rear. Other embodiments can include a hole (not shown)that extends along the vertical axis of the case when held in portraitorientation, thus allowing the user to reposition the flexible member upor down.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B includes anchoring device 210(on flexible member 30), which includes a plurality of parallel ofridges 410 running orthogonally to the length of flexible member 30.What is described in other embodiments as anchoring surface 220 on theinterior surface 80 of the rear-facing back portion 60 of case 100, isin the case of FIGS. 4A and 4B a plurality of ridges 420 that runparallel to elongated holes 400 and 401. Ridges 410 and 420 interlockwhen the interior surface 80 of rear-facing back portion 60 of case 100is adjacent to the mobile device. Ridges 410 and 420 prevent theanchoring device 210 on the flexible member 30 from slipping throughslot-type holes 400 and 401. In addition, ridges 410 and 420 allowanchoring device 210 and flexible member 30 to slide within slot-typeholes 400 and 401. An additional advantage of ridges 410 and 420 is thatthe effective length of flexible member 30 can be adjusted byrepositioning anchoring device 210 closer to or farther from slot-typeholes 400 and 401. To assist in that goal, ridges 410 and 420 can havedifferent number of ridges; for example, in FIGS. 4A and 4B, there arefewer ridges 410 than ridges 420, allowing movement of anchoring device210 to different portions of the set of ridges 420, with all ridges 410still engaged with corresponding ridges 420.

In FIG. 4B, anchoring device 210 has flexible member attachment surface475 and a skid surface 485 on its back side, i.e., the side oppositeridges 410. Flexible member attachment surface 475 is attached toflexible member 30 by a hook and loop fastener. Such an adjustablefastener allows for a minor adjustment to the effective length offlexible member 30 by adjusting how much of flexible member 30 isattached to anchoring device 210. Skid surface 485, in the view of FIG.4B, rises above the flexible member attachment surface 475 to anelevation greater than the thickness of flexible member 30, therebyallowing anchoring device 210 to slide laterally, along ridges 420 andalong hole 400 or hole 401, with relative ease, because skid surface 485will slide readily against the flat back surface of the mobile devicewhen case 100 is placed on the back of the mobile device, even thoughanchoring device 210 is fitted between case 100 and the mobile device.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment that is used with skin 500 that can fitover top of exterior surface 70 of the rear-facing back portion 60 ofcase 100. Skin 500 has holes 590 and 591 (corresponding to holes 400 and401) and corresponding cutouts 550 for the mobile device's I/O ports(camera, etc.). Skin 500 can act as a reinforcing structure. In thealternative, skin 500 can serve a partially or purely decorative purpose(e.g., a different color or a decorative pattern), allowing the user tocustomize the case's appearance.

Skin 500 can clip into place (e.g., pressure-fit over the rear-facingback portion of the case) or can be a decal or sticker held in placewith adhesive or static charge. Various materials could be used to formskin 500, for example, rubber over a structural mesh, plastic, leather,rubber, carbon fiber, etc. In embodiments where a soft material is usedon the surface of the skin, additional padding for the user's fingerscan be provided.

In some embodiments, a reinforcing structure can be affixed to eitherthe internal or external side of the rear-facing back portion of thecase. Alternatively, the reinforcing structure can be integral to therear-facing back portion of the case. The reinforcing structure ensuresthe case's structural integrity and strengthens the case around the holeor holes.

FIG. 6 depicts such an example embodiment with a plurality of holes 600through 605 in the rear-facing back portion 60 of the case 100. Inembodiments where holes 600 through 605 are formed by the users, theapparatus can be sold with a multi-holed template to guide the user inmaking appropriate holes 600 to 605.

FIGS. 7A-7C show an example embodiment where the external surface 70 ofthe rear-facing back portion 60 of the case 100 includes ridges 700 thatrise to the height of the finger brace when it is adjacent to theexterior surface of the case. As can be seen in FIG. 7B, the ridgesallow the mobile device's case to lie flat on a surface such as a deskor table without unevenness or wobble caused by the flexible member.FIG. 8 shows an alternate example of an embodiment with similar ridges800.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment where recess 900 in the exterior surface ofthe rear-facing back portion of the case allows the finger brace to lieflush with the exterior surface. Such an embodiment likewise allows thecase of the mobile device to lie flat on a resting surface.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an embodiment with sleeve 1001. Flexible member30 is attached to finger brace 20 at attachment point 1002. Sleeve 1001is slidable in the lengthwise direction of finger brace 20 fromattachment point 1002 to intermediate point 40 and holds the portion offlexible member 30 between attachment point 1002 and intermediate point40 against finger brace 20, thereby adjusting the effective length offlexible member 30 (i.e., the length from intermediate point 40 to hole50).

Sleeve 1001 includes a locking mechanism to secure it in place once theuser has adjusted the length of flexible member 30. The lockingmechanism has release button 1003 to unlock the locking mechanism andallow the length to be adjusted. The locking mechanism can have secondrelease button 1004 (see FIG. 10B) depressed simultaneously with releasebutton 1003.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show an embodiment with sleeve 2100 that is coupled tocase 100 but is capable of sliding in the longer dimension of case 100.Sleeve 2100 can slide, for example, on rails or grooves 2195 in case100, and a locking mechanism (not shown) can prevent sleeve 2100 fromsliding relative to case 100 when sleeve 2100 is positioned in thedesired location. The locking mechanism can be disengaged by pressinglock release button 2175. In the embodiment shown, sleeve 2100 containshole 2150. FIG. 21 depicts a portion of flexible member 30 beneathsleeve 2100 that runs between hole 50 in case 100 and hole 2150 insleeve 2100. Hole 50 and the portion of flexible member 30 that runsbetween hole 50 and hole 2150 are shown in dashed lines to indicate thatthey lie beneath sleeve 2100. Sliding sleeve 2100 relative to case 100allows the user to reposition the effective anchoring point of flexiblemember 30 (i.e., where flexible member 30 couples to case 100) whileshortening or lengthening the effective length of flexible member 30.

FIG. 22 shows the embodiment of FIG. 21 in side view. A rail or groove2195 is shown on the side of case 100, but other embodiments show asimilar rail or groove on the front-facing portion of case 100. In stillfurther embodiments, no rails or grooves are used, rather sleeve 2100simply wraps around the front-facing portion of case 100 to grip case100 without obscuring any portion of the front-facing display screen.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show an embodiment where finger brace 200includes a buckle that allows adjustment of the length of flexiblemember 30. FIG. 11A shows buckle-type finger brace 200 in an openposition. Flexible member 30 is routed through first slot 1101 andsecond slot 1102 in the finger brace's lower portion 1115 and connectedto the finger brace's upper portion 1125. First slot 1101 is atintermediate point 40. Clasp member 1130 on upper portion 1125 engageswith one of a plurality of clasping holes 1135 in lower portion 1115.The plurality of clasping holes 1135 allows the length of flexiblemember 30 to be adjusted. Upper portion 1125 can have retaining surface1145 to provide extra hold to maintain the selected length of flexiblemember 30.

FIG. 11B shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment with buckle-typefinger brace 200 in a closed position. FIG. 11C shows a similarembodiment in cross section with buckle-type finger brace 200 in theopen position.

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict an example embodiment where finger brace 20 canbe used as a stand. In some embodiments, a tab or projection on fingerbrace 20 can be placed into hole 50 (as shown in FIG. 20). However, inthe example embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, finger brace 20 as a whole isfitted into notch or indentation 1210 in the exterior surface 70 of therear-facing back portion 60 of case 100. The stand can be used tosupport the mobile device in either portrait or landscape orientation.The exterior surface 70 of the rear-facing back portion 60 of case 100can be equipped with a second notch or indentation 1220, which allowsfinger brace to engage the exterior surface 70 at a different angle thanwhen the first slot is used. The difference in the angle will increaseor decrease the angle at which the mobile device is held off of the deskor other flat surface, depending whether portrait or landscape mode isused. A wider angle used in landscape mode will create a wider anglebetween the mobile device and the flat surface. On the other hand, awider angle in landscape mode will result in a narrower angle betweenthe mobile device and the flat surface. Notches 1210 and 1220 caninstead be near different edges of the mobile device, at 90 degrees fromeach other, thus alternatively allowing for support in both landscapeand portrait mode.

FIG. 19 shows an alternative embodiment where finger brace 20 can beused as a stand. Although FIG. 19 shows the stand orienting the mobiledevice in portrait mode, the features discussed here could be locateddifferently, so as to allow the stand to orient the mobile device inlandscape mode instead. In the example embodiment of FIG. 19, exteriorsurface 70 of rear-facing back portion 60 of case 100 includes tab 1900.Tab 1900 may be rigid or completely pliable. In certain embodiments, tab1900 may be pliable, in which case it lies flush with exterior surface70 until it is peeled back by the user. Slot 1910 is formed in case 100just below tab 1900. One end of finger brace 20 can be inserted intoslot 1910, allowing finger brace 20 to act as a stand for the mobiledevice. Some embodiments may include projections 1945 on the ends offinger brace 20, which provide additional stability for finger brace 20when it is acting as a stand. Projections 1945 form a complimentaryshape to tab 1900, allowing the end of finger brace 20 that is insertedinto slot 1910 to mate with the shape of tab 1900 so as to facilitatethe end of finger brace 20 being retained in slot 1910. In addition,optional matching projections 1955, on the opposite end of finger brace20, can add stability by acting as feet. In the case where the stand canhold the mobile device in the opposite direction, such as if the standis designed to orient the mobile device in landscape mode with eitheredge at the top, then projections 1955 can swap locations withprojections 1945 to achieve the opposite orientation. If tab 1900 andslot 1910 are positioned off-center or angled, it may be desired to haveanother tab/slot pair (not shown) at a transposed location to assist inreversing the orientation.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a different embodiment, also inwhich finger brace 20 can act as a stand, but in this embodiment, fingerbrace 20 is inserted into hole 50, rather than needing a dedicated slot.The embodiment of FIG. 20 depicts projection 2010, which can be asection of exterior surface 70 of rear-facing back portion 60 of case100 that is raised above the rest of exterior surface 70, therebyproviding extra depth to hole 50 to receive finger brace 20. Inaddition, projection 2010 can create room to accommodate anchoringdevice 210 (discussed above) within case 100. In embodiments havingrelatively wide slot-type holes such as holes 400 and 401 shown in FIG.4C, projection 2010 also provides sufficient volume to allow flexiblemember 30 to slide along the hole.

FIG. 13 shows an example embodiment in which finger brace 20 can be usedas a belt clip. A first edge 1301 of finger brace 20 is fitted over anedge of a belt, a waist of a pair of pants, an edge of a shirt pocket,or the like. In some embodiments where finger brace 20 is used as aclip, the arrangement would cause flexible member 30 to rest against theedge of the material to which the embodiment is clipped, and that wouldin turn pull finger brace 20 against that material, thus clipping themobile device in place. However, when finger brace 20 is clipped over abelt, weight of the mobile device can cause the upper end of the mobiledevice to rotate downward. Such a configuration can cause the mobiledevice to be held at an outward angle, thereby giving a greater chanceof the device falling or pulling the belt or shirt pocket.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, the edge of finger brace 20opposite first edge 1301 can be placed into pocket 1302 near the hole.Embodiments that include such a pocket prevent the mobile device fromrotating outward, allowing the weight of the mobile device to rest moredirectly on top of the belt or shirt pocket. First edge 1301 of fingerbrace 20 can be covered with metal or another hard material to preventwear and to guide the finger brace over the belt.

It is intended that equivalents of the disclosed example embodiments andmethods shall fall within the scope of the present disclosure orappended claims. It is intended that the disclosed example embodimentsand methods, and equivalents thereof, can be modified while remainingwithin the scope of the present disclosure or appended claims.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features can be groupedtogether in several example embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that any claimed embodiment requires morefeatures than are expressly recited in the corresponding claim. Rather,as the appended claims reflect, inventive subject matter may lie in lessthan all features of a single disclosed example embodiment. Thus, theappended claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate disclosed embodiment.However, the present disclosure shall also be construed as implicitlydisclosing any embodiment having any suitable set of one or moredisclosed or claimed features (i.e., a set of features that are neitherincompatible nor mutually exclusive) that appear in the presentdisclosure or the appended claims, including those sets that may not beexplicitly disclosed herein. It should be further noted that the scopeof the appended claims does not necessarily encompass the whole of thesubject matter disclosed herein.

For purposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, theconjunction “or” is to be construed inclusively (e.g., “a dog or a cat”would be interpreted as “a dog, or a cat, or both”; e.g., “a dog, a cat,or a mouse” would be interpreted as “a dog, or a cat, or a mouse, or anytwo, or all three”), unless: (i) it is explicitly stated otherwise,e.g., by use of “either . . . or,” “only one of,” or similar language;or (ii) two or more of the listed alternatives are mutually exclusivewithin the particular context, in which case “or” would encompass onlythose combinations involving non-mutually-exclusive alternatives. Forpurposes of the present disclosure and appended claims, the words“comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variants thereof, wherever theyappear, shall be construed as open ended terminology, with the samemeaning as if the phrase “at least” were appended after each instancethereof.

In the appended claims, if the provisions of 35 USC §112 ¶ 6 are desiredto be invoked in an apparatus claim, then the word “means” will appearin that apparatus claim. If those provisions are desired to be invokedin a method claim, the words “a step for” will appear in that methodclaim. Conversely, if the words “means” or “a step for” do not appear ina claim, then the provisions of 35 USC §112 ¶ 6 are not intended to beinvoked for that claim.

If any one or more disclosures are incorporated herein by reference andsuch incorporated disclosures conflict in part or whole with, or differin scope from, the present disclosure, then to the extent of conflict,broader disclosure, or broader definition of terms, the presentdisclosure controls. If such incorporated disclosures conflict in partor whole with one another, then to the extent of conflict, thelater-dated disclosure controls.

The Abstract is provided as required as an aid to those searching forspecific subject matter within the patent literature. However, theAbstract is not intended to imply that any elements, features, orlimitations recited therein are necessarily encompassed by anyparticular claim. The scope of subject matter encompassed by each claimshall be determined by the recitation of only that claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus to assist a user with holding a mobile device having a front-facing display screen and a rear-facing back, the apparatus also forming a stand for the mobile device, the apparatus comprising: a. a case couplable to the mobile device and covering at least part of the back of the mobile device; b. a substantially inflexible finger brace; and c. an elastic member anchored to the case and coupled to the finger brace; d. wherein the case has a recess sized to hold a first end of the finger brace; and e. wherein the finger brace and the elastic member are configured, including the length of the elastic member between the case and the finger brace, so as: i. when the one hand is holding the mobile device, to position the finger brace relative to the case such that at least one finger of one hand of the user can press against the finger brace and place the elastic member under tension to brace the mobile device, and ii. when the first end of the finger brace is in the recess, to hold the finger brace in tension against the case with a second end of the finger brace spaced from the case; whereby the apparatus both (A) facilitates one-handed use of the mobile device by allowing the user to hold the mobile device while leaving a thumb of the user's one hand free to operate the mobile device and (B) forms a stand allowing use of the mobile device without holding the mobile device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a clip coupled to finger brace and configured to retain a portion of the elastic member, whereby the length of the elastic member is adjustable by increasing and decreasing the portion of the elastic member retained by the clip.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the case is an integral part of the mobile device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the mobile device is a mobile phone.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the case is a secondary case that is not an integral part of the mobile device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the secondary case covers only a portion of the back of the mobile device.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the case is contoured so that a first portion of the case extends away from the mobile device to a distance at least as great as the sum of (i) the distance that a second portion of the case extends away from the mobile device and (ii) a thickness of the finger brace, and wherein the case, the elastic, and finger brace are structured to allow the finger brace to be retracted adjacent to the second portion of the case, whereby, when the finger brace is thus retracted, the first portion of the case can support the mobile device on a flat surface with the display screen facing upward.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first portion surrounds the second portion, so that the finger brace can be retracted into a cavity, and wherein, when the finger brace is retracted adjacent to the second portion of the case, surfaces of the first portion and of the finger brace farthest from the mobile device together form a substantially flat surface.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: f. the recess comprises an indentation in the case; g. the finger brace has a tab at the first end of the finger brace; and h. wherein the indentation and the tab are of complementary shapes.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pocket disposed on an exterior surface of the case and sized and positioned to receive an end of the finger brace when the finger brace is retracted adjacent to the case.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the recess comprises a hole in the case through which the elastic member extends.
 12. A method of manipulating a mobile device having a front-facing display screen and a rear-facing back with aid of an apparatus comprising:
 1. a case couplable to the mobile device and covering at least part of the back of the mobile device;
 2. a substantially inflexible finger brace; and
 3. an elastic member anchored to the case and coupled to the finger brace;
 4. wherein the case has a recess sized to hold a first end of the finger brace; and
 5. wherein the finger brace and the elastic member are configured, including the length of the elastic member between the case and the finger brace, so as: a. when the one hand is holding the mobile device, to position the finger brace relative to the case such that at least one finger of one hand of the user can press against the finger brace and place the elastic member under tension to brace the mobile device, and b. when the first end of the finger brace is in the recess, to hold the finger brace in tension against the case with a second end of the finger brace spaced from the case; the method comprising: (a) inserting at least one finger between the finger brace and the case; (b) bracing the at least one finger against the finger brace; (c) operating the mobile device with the thumb of the user's one hand; (d) inserting the first end of the finger brace into the recess; and (e) placing the mobile device on a flat surface, using the apparatus as a stand.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein inserting at least one finger between the finger brace and the case comprises inserting a first finger on one side of the elastic member and a second finger on an opposite side of the elastic member.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein all fingers inserted between the finger brace and the case are placed only on one side of the elastic member, and further comprising, on the opposite side of the elastic member, holding at least another finger of the hand against a surface of the finger brace farthest from the mobile device so as to press one end of the finger brace against the case.
 15. The method of claim 12 wherein the recess comprises a hole in the case through which the elastic member extends.
 16. The method of claim 12: (f) wherein the apparatus further comprises a clip coupled to finger brace and configured to retain a portion of the elastic member, and (g) further comprising adjusting the length of the elastic member by changing the portion of the elastic member retained by the clip. 